Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Metropolitan

Sweet, Savory Seattle

No surprise! It was colder and raining when we drove three hours north to Seattle. The familiar Bellevue cityscape showed us an indifferent face yet rendered a nostalgic feeling. Look! I said pointing to the high rise office building my husband used to work when we drove past it. My husband nodded, I know, he said without words. It was pretty good company to work for but was bought out by much larger company. He could stay there but took another path. For a moment I entertained that what if question in my head. Whatever, our kids adjusted well with the move and I should be grateful for that. Only three more blocks to our destination – the Westin Hotel.

‘I just going to park it myself’ my husband responded quickly with the bell man’s question- Park yourself complimentary parking or valet parking for $30 a day. Wow! Who come up with that number? A San Francisco developer? These real orchids are gorgeous in hotel lobby. Loved the balls!I think this is an eye catching whatever.

Our dinner reservation at Chez Shea on Pike Street is for 6:00 in the evening and is still a couple of hours away. We checked out the Bellevue Uwajimaya (Japanese Super Market) first to get some snacks. Full scale Hina dolls (雛人形) display remind me that March 3rd, Girls Day, is fast approaching. Living in a America for so long, some Japanese traditions leaves no mark in my calendar. Philippine made cracker with an extra u. Cute!

The French restaurant Chez Shea is in an old building across from the famous Pike Place Market.Chez means cottage in French though the restaurant doesn’t seem look cottagey at all. More like industrial rustic urban chic deco,,,,with high ceiling. I thought a little too dark and too close to the next table. We just need to converse entirely in Japanese hoping neighbors don’t speak the same language. But the staff welcomed us warmly and was very attentive. Chez Shea offers two menus. The Chef’s sampler menu which comes with a little bit of almost everything for $75 or a-la-carte pricing of the seasonal menu. I find the pricing reasonable and their delicate dishes are worth a few blocks walk on a chilly Seattle night.

The wind was really cold the next morning. We walked about 10 minutes from hotel to Belle’s French Pastry. Perfectly flaky croissants and rooibos tea. We gave in to temptation and ate dessert too.Deja vu! We felt like we’re in Japan.

We drove to see our our old home then to downtown Kirkland. Ahhh,,, memories kept flowing back.

This is not our boat.This is interesting.

It was cold so we sought refuge in a coffee shop for hot chocolate.

We had lunch at Dozo Café in downtown Kirkland.

Lynn’s bistro – another favorite French restaurant in Kirkland.

I found this sugar/creamer set for $15 at Estate Interior consignment store in Bellevue to add to my Blue Danube collection.

12 comments:

Oh I love Seattle/Bellevue... I have been there a couple of times and I enjoy every visit. You take beautiful pictures Akemi-san! Food looks delicious and yeah pastry shop! I won't be able to pick one. =)

What beautiful blog, your pictures are wonderful and your trip to Seattle looks so fun. Your husband doesn't look too happy that you took his picture eating the cookie tho :). Thanks for stopping my blog and leaving a nice comment. Have a great week.